High speed pneumatic valve

ABSTRACT

A pneumatic valve directs pressurized air to and air exhaust from a surgical implement, such as a dual actuation vitreous probe. The pneumatic valve includes an axially symmetric valve body configured to rotate from a first position, in which the pneumatic valve places a first port of the surgical implement in fluid communication with the pressurized air and a second port of the surgical implement in fluid communication with the air exhaust, to a second position, in which the pneumatic valve places the first port in fluid communication with the air exhaust and the second port in fluid communication with the pressurized air, and back to the first position, in one rotational direction. As such, the axially symmetric valve body continuously rotates in one rotational direction to alternate the pressurized air and the air exhaust between the two ports of the surgical implement to drive the dual actuation operation.

BACKGROUND

The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein relate generally topneumatic valves, and more particularly, to pneumatic valves utilized ina vitreoretinal surgical console.

A vitreoretinal surgical console typically includes pneumatic valves andmanifolds to provide reciprocating cutter motion in a dual actingvitreous probe. The pneumatic valves and manifolds supply actuationpressure and venting selectively to each side of a diaphragm in analternating sequence to provide the dual actuation operation. Thepneumatic valve switches between a supply pressure and an air exhaustthrough a pair of pneumatic tubes connected between the probe and thevalve manifold. As shown in FIG. 7, a conventional pneumatic valve 710is provided to switch between a first position, in which the pressurizedair supply 720 is connected to port A and the air exhaust 730 isconnected to port B, and a second position, in which the pressurized airsupply 720 is supplied to port B and the air exhaust 730 is connected toport A. In between the first position and the second position, theconventional pneumatic valve is in a transition state.

Typically, a reciprocating spool or poppet is provided to switch thepneumatic valve 710 back and forth between the first position and thesecond position to alternately open and close ports in the valve bodythat are routed to fittings in the manifold and connected to tubesleading to the vitreous probe 750. The reciprocating movement of thespool or poppet is typically induced electromechanically at highrepetition rates corresponding to the cut rate of the vitreous probe.For example, the reciprocation rate may typically exceed 5,000 cuts perminute (83 Hz). The high acceleration forces associated with rapidreversals between each reciprocating motion may cause vibration andnoise. Further, the sliding seals introduce friction and wear. Fasterrepetition rates are associated with improved patient benefits by meansof reduced traction forces transmitted to the retina.

The present disclosure is directed to devices, systems, and methods thataddress one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, whileenabling patient benefits provided by faster repetition.

SUMMARY

In an exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to apneumatic valve for a surgical system. The pneumatic valve is configuredto direct a pressurized fluid to and a fluid exhaust from a surgicalimplement of the surgical system. The pneumatic valve includes anaxially symmetric valve body and a housing configured to accommodate theaxially symmetric valve body. The axially symmetric valve body isconfigured to rotate within the housing from a first position, in whichthe pneumatic valve places a first port of the surgical implement influid communication with the pressurized air and the second port of thesurgical implement in fluid communication with the fluid exhaust, to asecond position, in which the pneumatic valve places the first port ofthe surgical implement in fluid communication with the fluid exhaust andthe second port of the surgical implement in fluid communication withthe pressurized fluid, and back to the first position, in one rotationaldirection.

In an aspect, the axially symmetric valve body includes a firstconnection channel formed through the axially symmetric valve body andconfigured to place the first port and the pressurized fluid in fluidcommunication when the axially symmetric valve body is in the firstposition, and a second connection channel formed through the axiallysymmetric valve body and configured to place the second port and thefluid exhaust in fluid communication when the axially symmetric valvebody is in the first position. The axially symmetric valve body alsoincludes a third connection channel formed through the axially symmetricvalve body and configured to place the first port and the fluid exhaustin fluid communication when the axially symmetric valve body is in thesecond position, and a fourth connection channel formed through theaxially symmetric valve body and configured to place the second port andthe pressurized fluid in fluid communication when the axially symmetricvalve body is in the second position.

In another aspect, the axially symmetric valve body includes flowgrooves formed on a circumferential surface of the axially symmetricvalve body and extending from openings of one or more of the connectionchannels. The flow grooves define opening or closing timing sequences ofthe one or more connection channels as the axially symmetric valve bodyrotates. A close tolerance air gap is provided between thecircumferential surface of the axially symmetric valve body and an innerwall of the housing to form a frictionless air bearing when the axiallysymmetric valve body rotates in the housing. A radial- and tilt-wisecompliant torque coupling may be provided between the rotating shaft andvalve body to facilitate self-centering of the valve body in the housingand maintenance of a substantially uniform air bearing thickness withinthe close-tolerance air gap. The close-tolerance air gap combined withair baffles at the opening in the housing in the area of shaft entrycreates resistance to air leakage. Thus, the axially symmetric valvebody may not require any air seals.

In another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to asurgical system. The surgical system includes a surgical implement witha first port and a second port, a pressurized fluid supplying deviceconfigured to supply a pressurized fluid to the surgical implement, afluid exhaust manifold configured to direct a fluid exhaust from thesurgical implement, and a pneumatic valve. The pneumatic valve isconfigured to rotate from a first position, in which the pneumatic valveplaces the first port of the surgical implement in fluid communicationwith the pressurized fluid supply device and the second port of thesurgical implement in fluid communication with the fluid exhaustmanifold, to a second position, in which the pneumatic valve places thefirst port of the surgical implement in fluid communication with thefluid exhaust manifold and the second port of the surgical implement influid communication with the pressurized fluid supplying device, andback to the first position, in one rotational direction. In an aspect,the surgical implement is a dual actuation vitreous probe and arotational speed of the pneumatic valve corresponds to a cutting rate ofthe dual actuation vitreous probe. A drive shaft coupled to the valvewith radial and tilt compliance also is provided in the surgical systemto rotate the pneumatic valve.

In still another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed toa method including providing a pneumatic valve in a surgical system todirect a pressurized fluid to and a fluid exhaust from a surgicalimplement; and rotating an axially symmetric valve body of the pneumaticvalve in one rotational direction to move the axially symmetric valvebody from a first position, in which the pneumatic valve places a firstport of the surgical implement in fluid communication with thepressurized fluid and the second port of the surgical implement in fluidcommunication with the fluid exhaust, to a second position, in which thepneumatic valve places the first port of the surgical implement in fluidcommunication with the fluid exhaust and the second port of the surgicalimplement in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid, and back tothe first position.

In an aspect, the surgical implement is a dual actuation vitreous probe,and the method further includes adjusting a rotational speed of theaxially symmetric valve body to adjust a cutting rate of the dualactuation vitreous probe. The axially symmetric valve body is rotatedthrough a radial- and tilt-wise compliant coupling by a driving shaft ofthe surgical system.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory innature and are intended to provide an understanding of the presentdisclosure without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In thatregard, additional aspects, features, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the followingdetailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the devices andmethods disclosed herein and together with the description, serve toexplain the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of an exemplary surgical system accordingto one embodiment consistent with the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the surgical system of FIG. 1 showingvarious components of the surgical system according to one embodimentconsistent with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are illustrations showing perspective views of apneumatic valve according to one embodiment consistent with theprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation of a pneumatic valve accordingto one embodiment consistent with the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5A is an illustration showing a perspective view of a pneumaticvalve according to another embodiment consistent with the principles ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a diagram showing timing sequences of an operation of apneumatic valve according to one embodiment consistent with theprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for operating a pneumaticvalve according to an aspect consistent with the principles of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an operation of a conventional pneumaticvalve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thepresent disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodimentsillustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of the disclosure is intended. Any alterations and furthermodifications to the described systems, devices, and methods, and anyfurther application of the principles of the present disclosure arefully contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art towhich the disclosure relates. In particular, it is fully contemplatedthat the systems, devices, and/or methods described with respect to oneembodiment may be combined with the features, components, and/or stepsdescribed with respect to other embodiments of the present disclosure.For the sake of brevity, however, the numerous iterations of thesecombinations will not be described separately. For simplicity, in someinstances the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings torefer to the same or like parts.

The devices, systems, and methods described herein provide a pneumaticvalve configured to direct a pressurized air to and an air exhaust froma surgical implement, such as a dual actuation vitreous probe. Inparticular, the pneumatic valve may include an axially symmetric valvebody configured to rotate from a first position, in which the pneumaticvalve places a first port of the surgical implement in fluidcommunication with the pressurized air and the second port of thesurgical implement in fluid communication with the air exhaust, to asecond position, in which the pneumatic valve places the first port ofthe surgical implement in fluid communication with the air exhaust andthe second port of the surgical implement in fluid communication withthe pressurized air, and back to the first position, in one rotationaldirection. As such, the axially symmetric valve body continuouslyrotates in one rotational direction to alternate fluid communication ofthe pressurized air and the air exhaust between the first port and thesecond port of the surgical implement to drive the dual actuationoperation,

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary surgical system, generally designated100. The surgical system 100 may include a surgical utility supplyingdevice 102 with an associated display screen 110 showing data relatingto system operation and performance during a surgical procedure. Thesurgical system 100 also may include a surgical implement 104 configuredto be connected to the surgical utility supplying device 102 via asurgical utility connector 108. The surgical utility supplying device102 may supply various utility, such as imaging light, compressed air,vacuum, pressurized liquid, or the like, to various kinds of surgicalimplements. The surgical utility supplying device 102 also may includean atmosphere exhaust manifold configured to direct air exhaust to theatmosphere. For example, the surgical utility supplying device 102 maysupply pressurized air to and direct air exhaust from a dual actuationsurgical vitrectomy probe.

A user, e.g., a surgeon, may perform surgeries using the surgicalimplements. The surgical utility supplying device 102 may include one ormore utility ports 106 each configured to output a certain type ofutility. The utility may be output from the utility port 106 to thesurgical utility connector 108 and be carried by a tube fiber, hose, orcable (referenced herein as cable 114) to the surgical implement 104.The exemplary embodiment of the surgical system 100 in FIG. 1 also mayinclude a foot pedal 112 connected to the surgical system 100 forcontrolling the dispensing, of utility from the surgical system 110. Insome embodiments, a user controls the dispensing of the utility byselectively pressing and releasing the foot pedal 112.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary surgical utilitysupplying device, e.g., the surgical utility supplying device 102. Thesurgical utility supplying device 102 may include a controller 203. Thecontroller 203 may include a processor 202 configured to performcalculation and determination processes for controlling variousoperations of the surgical utility supplying device 102. The processor202 may receive various signal inputs and make various determinationsbased on the signal inputs. For example, the processor 202 may control arotational speed of a pneumatic valve to adjust a cutting speed of avitreous probe. The processor 202 also may control the display screen110 (FIG. 1) to display information regarding the operations of thesurgical utility supplying device 102 to convey information to the user.

The controller 203 also may include a memory 204 configured to storeinformation permanently or temporarily for various operations of thesurgical utility supplying device 102. For example, the memory 204 maystore programs that may be executed by the processor 202 to performvarious functions of the surgical utility supplying device 102. Thememory 204 also may store various data relating to operation history,user profile or preferences, various operation and surgical settings,and the like. Programs and information stored in the memory 204 may becontinuously updated to provide customization and improvement in theoperation of the surgical utility supplying device 102. The memory 204also may include programs and information relating to operationalparameters implemented based on the connection status of the surgicalutility connector 108 and the utility ports 106.

The surgical utility supplying device 102 also may include a vitrectomycutter system 206 configured to provide functions for vitrectomysurgeries. In particular, the vitrectomy cutter may include a pneumaticvalve that selectively directs a pressurized air and an atmosphereexhaust to a vitreous surgical implement.

The surgical utility supplying device 102 may include a utilitygenerator 208. The utility generator 208 may include motors, lightemitting devices, generators, pumps, vacuums, compressors, and the likethat may generate various utilities, such as pressured liquid,compressed air, vacuum, imaging light, and the like. In someembodiments, the utility generator 208 is connected to an externalutility source to receive utility externally. For example, the utilitygenerator 208 may be connected to a vacuum source or an air compressorto receive vacuum or compressed air. The utility generator 208 maysupply various utilities to respective utility ports 106.

The surgical utility supplying device 102 may include a communicationunit 210. The communication unit 210 may include various communicationdevices, such as an Ethernet card, Wi-Fi communication device, telephonedevice, digital I/O (Input/Output) ports or the like, that may allow thesurgical utility supplying device to send and receive information to andfrom other devices. For example, the communication unit 210 may receiveinput from other surgical devices to coordinate a surgical operation. Inanother example, the communication unit 210 may transmit and receivemessages or notifications, such as email, text, or other messages ornotifications to a user's mobile device to notify certain information tothe user.

The surgical utility supplying device 102 also may include a userinterface 212. The user interface 212 may include user input devices,such as a keyboard, a touch screen, the foot pedal 112, a mouse, amicrophone, or the like that allow a user to input instructions to thesurgical utility supplying device 212. For example, the user may enterparameters for a utility and operate the foot pedal 112 to dispense theutility to the surgical implement 104. The user interface 212 also mayinclude user output devices, such as the display screen 110, an audiospeaker, LED (Light-Emitting Diode) lights, or other visual or tactilesignals that convey information to a user. Thus, the user interface 212enables a user to interact with the surgical utility supplying device102 during surgical operations.

The surgical utility supplying device 102 or the surgical implement 104may include a valve that regulates the flow of a utility, such as afluid, from the surgical utility supplying device 102 to the surgicalimplement 104. As will be discussed in the description below, the valvemay alternately provide a driving fluid and an exhaust in a manner thatdrives the surgical implement 104.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are illustrations showing perspective views of apneumatic valve 300 according to one embodiment consistent with theprinciples of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A illustrates a pneumaticvalve 300 in a first position or a first state, and FIG. 3B illustratesthe pneumatic valve 300 in a second position or a second state. Thepneumatic valve 300 may include an axially symmetric valve body 302accommodated in a housing 304. In particular, the axially symmetricvalve body 302 may rotate within a chamber 308 of the housing 304. Adrive shaft 306 may be provided to rotate the axially symmetric valvebody 302. In particular, the drive shaft 306 may couple, by means of aradial- and tilt-wise compliant coupling 311, to a drive shaftengagement interface 310 of the axially symmetric valve body 302. Thedrive shaft 306 may rotate the axially symmetric valve body 302 in onerotational direction 320. A close-tolerance air gap (e.g., with a gapspacing of less than 0.005 inches) may be provided between acircumferential surface 312 of the axially symmetric valve body 302 andan inner wall 314 of the chamber 308 as facilitated between thecompliant coupling 311. As such, when the axially symmetric valve body302 rotates, a frictionless air bearing may be generated via aclose-fitting tolerance between the axially symmetric valve body 302 andthe inner wall 314. Other gap spacings are also contemplated (e.g., lessthan 0.1 inches, less than 0.01 inches, less than 0.001 inches, etc.)The close-fitting tolerance may be further maintained by one or moreconcentric air baffles 313 between the axially symmetric valve bodywhich restrict flow leakage, thereby eliminating the need for dynamicseals and the corresponding friction, wear, noise and vibration duringthe operation of the pneumatic valve 300.

A pressurized air opening 322 may be formed in the inner wall 314 of thehousing 304. The pressurized air opening 322 may be in fluidcommunication with a pressurized air supplying device, such as acompressed air source or a vacuum source. Thus, the pressurized airopening 322 provides the pressurized air to the pneumatic valve 300. Anair exhaust opening 324 also may be formed in the inner wall 314 of thehousing 304. The air exhaust opening 324 may be in fluid communicationwith an air exhaust manifold that directs air exhaust from the pneumaticvalve 300 to the atmosphere.

A port opening 326 (port “A”) and a port opening 328 (port “B”) may beformed in the inner wall 314 of the housing 304. The port openings 326and 328 are connected to utility input ports of the surgical implement104 respectively to direct pressurized air to and air exhaust from thesurgical implement 104. For example, port opening 326 may be in fluidcommunication with one side of an actuation diaphragm at the surgicalimplement 104 while port opening 328 may be in fluid communication withthe other side of the actuation diaphragm at the surgical implement 104.A dual actuation operation may be implemented at the surgical implement104 by alternating the supply of pressurized air and the output of theair exhaust between the two sides of the actuation diaphragm via portopenings 326 and 328. The dual actuation may provide a cutting functionat the surgical implement 104, such as a vitreous probe.

The axially symmetric valve body 302 may include a channel 332 formedtherethrough. The axially symmetric valve body 302 also may include achannel 334 formed therethrough. The channel 332 may have a channelopening 342 and a channel opening 344 and the channel 334 may have achannel opening 346 and a channel opening 348 formed on thecircumferential surface 312 of the axially symmetric valve body 302. Thepneumatic valve 300 rotates about its axis so that the valve body 302passes the first position or first state in FIG. 3A, passes the secondposition or second state in FIG. 3B, and continues to rotate back to thefirst position or first state in FIG. 3A. When in the first position orthe first state, as shown in FIG. 3A, the channel opening 342 of thechannel 332 may align with the pressurized air opening 322 and thechannel opening 344 of the channel 332 may align with the port opening326. Similarly, the channel opening 346 of the channel 334 may alignwith the air exhaust opening 324 and the channel opening 348 of thechannel 334 may align with the port opening 328. Thus, the channel 332may place the pressurized air opening 322 in fluid communication withthe port opening 326 and the channel 334 may place the air exhaustopening 324 in fluid communication with the port opening 328.

The axially symmetric valve body 302 further may include a channel 336and a channel 338 formed therethrough. The channel 336 may have achannel opening 352 and a channel opening 354 and the channel 338 mayhave a channel opening 356 and a channel opening 358 formed on thecircumferential surface 312 of the axially symmetric valve body 302.When the pneumatic valve 300 is in the second position or the secondstate, as shown in FIG. 3B, the channel opening 352 of the channel 336may align with the pressurized air opening 322 and the channel opening354 of the channel 336 may align with the port opening 328. Similarly,the channel opening 356 of the channel 338 may align with the airexhaust opening 324 and the channel opening 358 of the channel 338 mayalign with the port opening 326. Thus, the channel 336 may place thepressurized air opening 322 in fluid communication with the port opening328 and the channel 338 may place the air exhaust opening 324 in fluidcommunication with the port opening 326. When the axially symmetricvalve body 302 is in a transitional position between the first and thesecond positions, the circumferential surface 312 of the axiallysymmetric valve body 302 may block or close the air supply opening 322,the air exhaust opening 324, and the port openings 326 and 328. Althoughthe various channels 332, 334, 336, 338 are shown as crossing in FIGS.3A and 3B, in preferred embodiments, the channels do not intersect, thusmaintaining the integrity of the flow paths.

The drive shaft 306 may continuously rotate the axially symmetric valvebody 302 in one rotational direction 320 to continuously alternate thepneumatic valve 300 between the first position, as shown in FIG. 3A, andthe second position, as shown in FIG. 3B. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing anoperation 400 of the pneumatic valve 300 according to one embodimentconsistent with the principles of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG. 4, the pneumatic valve 300 selectively supplies a pressurized airto and directs an air exhaust from an input port 412 (port “A”) and aninput port 414 (port “B”) of the surgical implement 104, such as adual-actuated vitreous probe. At phase 402, the pneumatic valve 300 isin the first position to supply the pressurized air to the input port412 and to direct the air exhaust from the input port 414. The pneumaticvalve 300 may be in the zero degree rotational position at phase 402 orat the first position.

As the pneumatic valve 300 rotates from a zero-degree rotationalposition in phase 402 to a 90-degree rotational position in phase 404,the pneumatic valve 300 may rotate from the first position to atransitional position. The pressurized air or the air exhaust may or maynot be in fluid communication with the input ports 412 and 414 in thetransitional position of phase 404 based on the design structure of thepneumatic valve, as will be discussed later. As the pneumatic valve 300rotates from the 90-degrees rotational position in phase 404 to a180-degree rotational position in phase 406, the pneumatic valve 300 mayrotate from the transitional position to the second position. In thesecond position or phase 406, the pneumatic valve 300 may place thepressurized air in communication with input port 414 and the air exhaustin fluid communication with input port 412.

The pneumatic valve 300 then rotates from the 180-degree rotationalposition in phase 406 to a 270-degree rotational position in phase 408,the pneumatic valve 300 may rotate from the second position to anothertransitional position. The pressurized air or the air exhaust may or maynot be in fluid communication with the input ports 412 and 414 in thetransitional position of phase 408 based on the design structure of thepneumatic valve, as will be discussed later After phase 408, thepneumatic valve 300 may rotate from the 280-degree rotational positionin phase 408 back to the zero-degree rotational position in phase 402.Thus, the pneumatic valve 300 rotates from the second position back tothe first position in the same rotational direction.

The pneumatic valve 300 may continuously rotate in one rotationaldirection to switch between the first position and the second position.As such, the pneumatic valve 300 may alternate the supply of thepressurized air and the release of the air exhaust to the two inputports 412 and 414 of the surgical implement 104. This may generate thedual actuation at the surgical implement 104. The actuation rate, suchas a cutting rate, at the surgical implement 104 may correspond to therate of rotation of the pneumatic valve 300.

The rotational pneumatic valve 300 may reduce noise and vibration, ascompared with the traditional reciprocating valve. Further, thefrictionless air bearing between the axially symmetric valve body 302and the housing 304 may reduce friction and wear. In addition, therotational pneumatic valve 300 may provide for higher speed of actuationwith higher rotational speed.

FIG. 5A is an illustration showing a perspective view of a pneumaticvalve according to another embodiment consistent with the principles ofthe present disclosure. Many of the features are the same as thosediscussed above with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B, and are riotre-described. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, however, includes aplurality of flow grooves formed on the circumferential surface 312 ofthe axially symmetric valve body 302. The exemplary embodiment in FIG.5A includes a flow groove corresponding to each channel opening. Forexample, the axially symmetric valve body 302 in FIG. 5A includes flowgrooves 522, 523, 524, 525, 526, 527, 528, 529. Each flow groove 522,523, 524, 525, 526 527, 528, 529 extends from or overlaps with arespective channel opening 342, 352, 344, 358, 348, 354, 356, 346. Eachflow groove 522, 523, 524, 525, 526, 527, 528, 529 operates to extendits respective channel opening into a longer circumferential groove,rather than only a circular opening. For example, the flow groove 522extends the channel opening 342 to place the pressurized air opening 322in fluid communication with channel 332 for a circumferential lengthalong the valve body 302 that is greater than the diameter or width ofthe channel opening 342 by itself. Flow grooves, therefore, may beformed for and extend from one or more of the corresponding channelopenings of the channels 332, 334, 336, and 338 shown in FIGS. 3A and3B.

Each flow groove may extend from or overlap its corresponding channelopening. As such, during a rotational cycle of the valve body 302, theflow groove may extend the amount of time that the channel opening is influid communication with the one of the air openings 322, 324 and theport openings 326, 328. For example, the channel opening 342 is in fluidcommunication with the supply air opening 322 for the entire length oftime that the flow groove 522 is aligned with the supply port 322 duringa valve body rotation or cycle. As such, the channel opening 342 may bein fluid communication with the pressurized air opening 322 not onlywhen the axially symmetric valve body 304 is in the first position (FIG.3A) in which the channel opening 342 is aligned with the pressurized airopening 322, but also after the axially symmetric valve body 304 movesaway from the first position and the pressurized air opening 322 isaligned with a portion of the flow groove 522. Similarly, a flow groove524 may be formed to extend from the channel opening 344 of the channel332 to extend the time during a rotational cycle that the channelopening 344 is in fluid communication with the port opening 326. Eachflow groove may operate in this manner. This allows the channel 332(FIGS. 3A and 3B) to continue to place the pressurized air incommunication with port opening 326 for an extended period of time afterthe pneumatic valve 300 moves away from the first position (FIG. 3A),such as in a transitional position between the first position and thesecond position (FIG. 3B).

The flow grooves may be provided for one or more channel openings on theaxially symmetric valve body 302. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, eachof the channel openings 342, 344, 346, 348, 352, 354, 356, and 358 mayhave a flow groove extending therefrom. The length of the flow groovesmay define the length of time that the channel openings are in fluidcommunication with the air openings 322, 324 and the port openings 326,328. For example, the longer a flow groove is, the longer thecorresponding channel opening provides fluid communication during asingle rotation or cycle of the valve body 302. This may provideflexibility to implement multi-port configurations with overlappingswitch points to optimize dynamic actuation response. For example,various flow groove configurations may provide for independently timedor overlapping manifold and probe connections for each port.

The embodiment in FIG. 5A includes multiple flow grooves disposed ateach axial location along the body. For example, the flow grooves 522and 523 are formed along the same axial location along the rotationalaxis of the valve body 102. Likewise, in this example, flow grooves 524,525, flow grooves 526, 527, and flow grooves 528, 529 each respectivelyshare an axial location. Because of this, each flow groove may extendless than 180 degrees about the circumference of the valve body 302.However, the valve body is not so limited and other embodiments may haveflow grooves that extend greater than 180 degrees about thecircumference of the valve body 302. Furthermore, in some embodiments,the flow grooves are axially offset from each other, such that only asingle flow groove may be disposed at a single axial location. This mayprovide additional latitude when determining how long to make the flowgroove. FIG. 5A also shows that different flow grooves may have endsthat are circumferentially offset from one another. For example, the endof flow groove 523 is circumferentially offset from the end of theadjacent flow groove 524. This allows the communication with the ports322, 324, 326, 328 to start and stop in a timed sequence that may beselected based on the application and desired operating parameters ofthe valve.

FIG. 5B is a diagram showing timing sequences during operation of apneumatic valve according to one embodiment consistent with theprinciples of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5B, each of theair supply opening 322, air exhaust opening 324, port opening 326 (port“A”), and port opening 328 (port “B”) may have independent timingsequence of opening/closing time as the axially symmetric valve body 302rotates. In some embodiments, the flow grooves may have varying widthsor depths to provide variations in flow rate. For example, a gradualincrease/decrease in depth or width of a flow groove may correspond togradual opening or closing of the corresponding channel opening. Thismay allow gradual and smooth transition between opening and closing ofchannels to provide smoother actuation at the surgical implement 104.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method 600 for operating apneumatic valve 300 according to an aspect consistent with theprinciples of the present disclosure. At 602, a pneumatic valve 300 maybe provided in the surgical system 100. The pneumatic valve 300 may beprovided at the surgical utility supplying device 102. In someembodiments, the pneumatic valve 300 may be provided at the surgicalimplement 104. For example, the pneumatic valve 300 may be provided at areusable portion of the surgical implement 104 or at a consumableportion, such as a part of a single-use surgical implement 104.

In an embodiment, the pneumatic valve 300 may be selected from varioustypes of pneumatic valves that provide different actuation patternsand/or sequences. For example, different types of valves may havedifferent patterns of flow grooves on the axially symmetric valve bodyto provide various patterns or sequences of actuation. An appropriatetype of pneumatic valve may be selected for the specific surgicalapplication or requirement.

At 604, the pneumatic valve 300 may be rotated continuously in onerotational direction to alternate the supply of pressurized air and therelease of the air exhaust to the surgical implement 104. In particular,the pneumatic valve 300 may be rotated by a drive shaft 306 driven by amotor. At 606, the rotational speed of the pneumatic valve 300 may beadjusted to adjust an operation rate, such as cutting rate, at thesurgical implement. The rotational speed may be controlled or adjustedby the user or by the surgical system based on the application of thesurgical operation. The pneumatic valve 300 may alternate the supply ofpressurized air and the release of the air exhaust to the surgicalimplement. In some embodiments, the pneumatic valve 300 also may directother types of utilities, such as vacuum, compressed air, utility fluid,or the like.

Accordingly, the above embodiments provide a system or method forimplementing a pneumatic valve to alternate at least two types ofutility supplies to the surgical implement. In particular, the pneumaticvalve may include an axially symmetric valve body configured to rotatecontinuously in one rotational direction to alternate two utilitysupplies between two input ports of the surgical implement. Therotational pneumatic valve may reduce noise and vibration, as comparedto reciprocating valves. The rotational pneumatic valve also may have africtionless air bearing arrangement that reduces friction and wear ofthe valve. Further, because there is no reduction in velocity or changein acceleration, the rotational pneumatic valve may allow for higheractuation rate. Flow grooves may be formed on the axially symmetricvalve body of the pneumatic valve to provide various actuation patternsand sequences. The shape disclosed herein is illustrated assubstantially cylindrical, but the valve body may be formed into anyarbitrary, axially symmetric shape.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that theembodiments encompassed by the present disclosure are not limited to theparticular exemplary embodiments described above. In that regard,although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a widerange of modification, change, and substitution is contemplated in theforegoing disclosure. It is understood that such variations may be madeto the foregoing without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims beconstrued broadly and in a manner consistent with the presentdisclosure.

I claim:
 1. A surgical system comprising: a dual action vitrectomy probecomprising a first port and a second port; a utility generatorconfigured to supply a pressurized fluid to the dual action vitrectomyprobe; a fluid exhaust manifold configured to direct a fluid exhaustfrom the dual action vitrectomy probe; a pneumatic valve configured torotate from a first position in which the pneumatic valve places thefirst port of the dual action vitrectomy probe in fluid communicationwith the utility generator and places the second port of the dual actionvitrectomy probe in fluid communication with the fluid exhaust manifold,to a second position in which the pneumatic valve places the first portof the dual action vitrectomy probe in fluid communication with thefluid exhaust manifold and the second port of the dual action vitrectomyprobe in fluid communication with the utility generator, and thepneumatic valve is configured to rotate within a housing from the secondposition back to the first position, in one rotational direction;wherein the pneumatic valve comprises: an axially symmetric valve body;and the housing configured to accommodate the axially symmetric valvebody, wherein the axially symmetric valve body is configured to rotatewithin the housing from the first position to the second position andback to the first position in the one rotational direction; wherein thehousing comprises: a chamber configured to accommodate the axiallysymmetric valve body; a first port opening formed on an inner wall ofthe chamber and in fluid communication with the first port of the dualaction vitrectomy probe; a second port opening formed on the inner wallof the chamber and in fluid communication with the second port of thedual action vitrectomy probe; a fluid pressure opening formed on theinner wall of the chamber and in fluid communication with the utilitygenerator; and a fluid exhaust opening formed on the inner wall of thechamber and in fluid communication with the fluid exhaust manifold;wherein the axially symmetric valve body comprises: a first connectionchannel formed through the axially symmetric valve body and configuredto place the first port opening and the fluid pressure opening in fluidcommunication when the axially symmetric valve body is in the firstposition; a second connection channel formed through the axiallysymmetric valve body and configured to place the second port opening andthe fluid exhaust opening in fluid communication when the axiallysymmetric valve body is in the first position; a third connectionchannel formed through the axially symmetric valve body and configuredto place the first port opening and the fluid exhaust opening in fluidcommunication when the axially symmetric valve body is in the secondposition; and a fourth connection channel formed through the axiallysymmetric valve body and configured to place the second port opening andthe fluid pressure opening in fluid communication when the axiallysymmetric valve body is in the second position; wherein the axiallysymmetric valve body further comprises flow grooves formed on acircumferential surface of the axially symmetric valve body andextending from openings of the one or more of the first, second, third,or fourth connection channels, wherein the flow grooves keep the firstport opening, second port opening, fluid pressure opening, and fluidexhaust openings in fluid communication with the one or more of thefirst, second, third, or fourth connection channels through portions ofthe rotation of the axially symmetric valve body to define opening orclosing timing sequences between the first port opening, second portopening, fluid pressure opening, and fluid exhaust openings such that arotational speed of the pneumatic valve corresponds to a cutting rate ofthe dual actuation vitreous probe.
 2. The surgical system of claim 1,wherein the utility generator supplies a vacuum.
 3. The surgical systemof claim 1, wherein a close tolerance air gap is provided between thecircumferential surface of the axially symmetric valve body and theinner wall of the chamber to form a frictionless air bearing when theaxially symmetric valve body rotates in the housing.
 4. The surgicalsystem of claim 1 further comprising a drive shaft configured to engagethe axially symmetric valve body and to rotate the axially symmetricvalve body in the one rotational direction in the housing; wherein theaxially symmetric valve body is coupled to the drive shaft to receive arotational driving force from the drive shaft, and wherein the couplingbetween the axially symmetric valve body and the drive shaft providesradial and tilt compliance between the drive shaft and the axiallysymmetric valve body.
 5. The surgical system of claim 4, furthercomprising concentric air baffles at an opening in the housing in anarea of drive shaft entry; wherein a close tolerance air gap is providedbetween the circumferential surface of the axially symmetric valve bodyand the inner wall of the chamber to form a frictionless air bearingwhen the axially symmetric valve body rotates in the housing, andwherein the close-tolerance air gap and air baffles combine to resistair leakage from the axially symmetric valve body.
 6. A surgical systempneumatic valve configured to direct a pressurized fluid to and a fluidexhaust from a dual action vitrectomy probe of a surgical system, thesurgical system pneumatic valve comprising: an axially symmetric valvebody; and a housing configured to accommodate the axially symmetricvalve body, wherein the axially symmetric valve body is configured torotate within the housing from a first position, in which the pneumaticvalve places a first port of the dual action vitrectomy probe in fluidcommunication with the pressurized fluid and places a second port of thedual action vitrectomy probe in fluid communication with the fluidexhaust, to a second position, in which the pneumatic valve places thefirst port of the dual action vitrectomy probe in fluid communicationwith the fluid exhaust and places the second port of the dual actionvitrectomy probe in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid, andthe axially symmetric valve body is configured to rotate within thehousing from the second position back to the first position whilerotating in one rotational direction; wherein the housing comprises: achamber configured to accommodate the axially symmetric valve body; afirst port opening formed on an inner wall of the chamber and in fluidcommunication with the first port of the dual action vitrectomy probe; asecond port opening formed on the inner wall of the chamber and in fluidcommunication with the second port of the dual action vitrectomy probe;a fluid pressure opening formed on the inner wall of the chamber and influid communication with the pressurized fluid; and a fluid exhaustopening formed on the inner wall of the chamber and in fluidcommunication with the fluid exhaust; wherein the axially symmetricvalve body comprises: a first connection channel formed through theaxially symmetric valve body and configured to place the first portopening and the fluid pressure opening in fluid communication when theaxially symmetric valve body is in the first position; a secondconnection channel formed through the axially symmetric valve body andconfigured to place the second port opening and the fluid exhaustopening in fluid communication when the axially symmetric valve body isin the first position; a third connection channel formed through theaxially symmetric valve body and configured to place the first portopening and the fluid exhaust opening in fluid communication when theaxially symmetric valve body is in the second position; and a fourthconnection channel formed through the axially symmetric valve body andconfigured to place the second port opening and the fluid pressureopening in fluid communication when the axially symmetric valve body isin the second position; wherein the axially symmetric valve body furthercomprises flow grooves formed on a circumferential surface of theaxially symmetric valve body and extending from openings of the one ormore of the first, second, third, or fourth connection channels, whereinthe flow grooves keep the first port opening, second port opening, fluidpressure opening, and fluid exhaust openings in fluid communication withthe one or more of the first, second, third, or fourth connectionchannels through portions of the rotation of the axially symmetric valvebody to define opening or closing timing sequences between the firstport opening, second port opening, fluid pressure opening, and fluidexhaust openings such that a rotational speed of the pneumatic valvecorresponds to a cutting rate of the dual actuation vitreous probe. 7.The pneumatic valve of claim 6, wherein a close tolerance air gap isprovided between the circumferential surface of the axially symmetricvalve body and the inner wall of the chamber to form a frictionless airbearing when the axially symmetric valve body rotates in the housing. 8.The pneumatic valve of claim 6, wherein the axially symmetric valve bodyis configured to engage and receive a rotational driving force from adrive shaft of the surgical system, and wherein the axially symmetricvalve body has radial and tilt compliance between the drive shaft andthe axially symmetric valve body.
 9. A method comprising: providing apneumatic valve in a surgical system to direct a pressurized fluid toand a fluid exhaust from a dual action vitrectomy probe; and rotating anaxially symmetric valve body of the pneumatic valve in one rotationaldirection to move the axially symmetric valve body from a first positionin which the pneumatic valve places a first port of the dual actionvitrectomy probe in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid and asecond port of the dual action vitrectomy probe in fluid communicationwith the fluid exhaust, to a second position, in which the pneumaticvalve places the first port of the dual action vitrectomy probe in fluidcommunication with the fluid exhaust and the second port of the dualaction vitrectomy probe in fluid communication with the pressurizedfluid, and back to the first position; adjusting a rotational speed ofthe axially symmetric valve body to adjust a cutting rate of the dualactuation vitreous probe; wherein the pneumatic valve comprises: ahousing configured to accommodate the axially symmetric valve body;wherein the housing comprises: a chamber configured to accommodate theaxially symmetric valve body; a first port opening formed on an innerwall of the chamber and in fluid communication with the first port ofthe dual action vitrectomy probe; a second port opening formed on theinner wall of the chamber and in fluid communication with the secondport of the dual action vitrectomy probe; a fluid pressure openingformed on the inner wall of the chamber and in fluid communication withthe pressurized fluid; and a fluid exhaust opening formed on the innerwall of the chamber and in fluid communication with the fluid exhaust;wherein the axially symmetric valve body further comprises flow groovesformed on a circumferential surface of the axially symmetric valve bodyand extending from openings of one or more connection channels formedthrough the axially symmetric valve body between the first port opening,second port opening, fluid pressure opening, and fluid exhaust openings,wherein the flow grooves keep the first port opening, second portopening, fluid pressure opening, and fluid exhaust openings in fluidcommunication with the one or more connection channels through portionsof the rotation of the axially symmetric valve body to define opening orclosing timing sequences between the first port opening, second portopening, fluid pressure opening, and fluid exhaust openings such that arotational speed of the pneumatic valve corresponds to a cutting rate ofthe dual actuation vitreous probe.
 10. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising rotating the axially symmetric valve body via a driving shaftof the surgical system.